ADL Asks NYC Students to 'Step Up' for Peers During "Respect For All" Week

New York, NY, February 16, 2011 … In conjunction with the New York City Department of Education's second annual "Respect for All" week, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) is conducting anti-bias and anti-bullying training at four schools in the boroughs.

ADL anti-bias and diversity trainings during "Respect for All" week, February 14-18, are taking place at the following schools: Bronx Early College Academy for Teaching and Learning, Irwin Altman Middle School 172 in Queens, I.S. 51 Edwin Markham in Staten Island, and M.S. 447 – The Math and Science Exploratory School in Brooklyn.

"We are excited to continue our partnership with the NYC Department of Education on 'Respect for All' week," said Ron Meier, ADL New York Regional Director. "The initiative demonstrates a strong commitment by New York City to promote mutual respect and counter bias and bullying in public schools. These lessons should apply not only during 'Respect for All' week, but throughout the year, and not only in schools, but in all communities and homes."

ADL education experts are conducting Step Up! – a middle school or high school assembly program designed to give students the opportunity to share, in their own voice, what they see as important issues in their schools. Step Up! empowers students to be more than bystanders by "stepping up" to become allies to their peers. The program's goal is to begin a dialogue that will continue into the classroom and community, thereby creating a safer place for children to learn and grow.

"New York City has proven an able and willing partner with ADL and our longstanding goal of countering bias, prejudice and bigotry, while promoting respect for diversity," added Jeffrey M. Parker, ADL New York Regional Board Chair. "We believe these lessons are fundamental to educating our youth, and lead to safer and more inclusive schools and communities."

ADL is an original collaborator on the "Respect for All" initiative, which is designed to counter bullying and harassment in public schools, while promoting respect for diversity and fostering inclusive learning environments. Step Up! is part of ADL's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute platform, a leading provider of anti-bias education and diversity training programs and resources.

ADL is the world’s leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education, and fighting hate online, ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.